Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease two 8½-by-4½-inch loaf pans. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg, then set mixture aside. In a large bowl, whixk together vegetable oil and sugar until combined. Add eggs, pumpkin, water and vanilla and whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth. Add dry ingredients and mix gently until combined. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir in the nuts. Divide batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 60 to 80 minutes, or until a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove bread from the oven and place pans on cooling rack. Once the breads are completely cool, turn out of the pans. Serve immediately, or for better flavor and moistness, wrap loaves in plastic wrap and store at room temperature overnight.

In the Kitchen with Emily Erickson

09/11/14

Emily Erickson is the owner and baker of Benson’s Bakery & Cafe (203 Central St., Hudson, 718-8683, bensonsbakeryandcafe.com). She’s originally from Hudson (and remembers the days of the bakery’s namesake, Benson’s Wild Animal Park). Erickson attended the Culinary Institute of America and earned her degree in baking and pastry arts, all with the goal of opening her own cafe.

What is your must-have kitchen item?

I would say that for us there’s kind of two: sugar pretty much is the basis of everything, but also our hands. [They’re] more important than anything else we have.

What would you choose for your last meal?

Grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Favorite restaurant besides your own?

Dynamite Sushi in Hudson.

What celebrity would you like to see eating at your restaurant?

Rachel McAdams.

What is the biggest food trend in New Hampshire right now?

I think local and organic food is kind of on the upswing.

What is your favorite meal to cook at home?

My favorite is to grill pretty much anything, [like] veggies and corn. Summer grilling is the best. That’s my favorite way to cook.

What is your favorite dish on your restaurant’s menu?

My favorite would have to be our maple bacon cupcake. That’s probably our most popular, too.